Four Estates Create New Hall of Sponsors Scholarships
T
he Central Methodist University legacy can be defined in many ways, and each category stands on its own in a rich history and reputation. While known for its academic excellence, personal learning environment, deep traditions, and world-class athletic teams, Central is also known for its charitable support of the institution. Alumni and friends have a long history of giving and making a difference in the lives of others. This winter, Central was honored to receive several generous estate gifts, many of which put emphasis on student scholarships. One might take for granted the impact of an estate gift or see it as a mere moment in time. However, in three scholarships alone, 10 students each year will benefit for generations to come. The Hall of Sponsors endowed scholarships utilize four percent of the interest earned each year to provide annual distributions to help deserving students attend CMU. Enjoy reading about four of the latest Hall of Sponsors scholarships, created through estate planning.
24 The Talon | Spring 2021
Dr. Donald, ’44, and Emily Sheets Estate A gift from the Sheets estate endowed a Hall of Sponsors scholarship in honor of Lloyd Dean Olson, ’41, and Walter Roy Newcomb, ’40, two of Donald’s classmates at Central who died in World War II. The Walter Roy Newcomb and Lloyd Dean Hall of Sponsors Scholarship was endowed and will be awarded to four recipients each year. Dr. Donald and Emily Sheets spent a lifetime in education. It was clearly a passion for them. Emily enjoyed a full career as an elementary school teacher. Donald was an instructor in the Navy V-12 program at Central and began his career in chemistry with Monsanto Chemical Company. Dr. Sheets received his master’s degree and PhD. from the University of Michigan, where he was a research fellow from 1945 to 1949. He was a visiting lecturer in chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., during the summers of 1962 and 1963.
While classes were not in session at the Naval Academy, he performed research for the Navy at the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center. The Taylor Laboratories were conveniently located across the Severn River from the Naval Academy, where Dr. Sheets subsequently led a respected, 21-year career as a physics professor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., before retiring in 1983. Articles by Dr. Sheets were published in U.S. government publications and the Journal of the American Chemical Society. For a short time during retirement, he was a consultant with Trident Engineering Associated, Inc., on chemistry-related issues. Dr. Sheets was a member of Sigma Xi, Alpha Chi Sigma, Phi Lambda Upsilon, and American Chemical Society, Division of Education.
Barbara J., ’49, and Wilson S. Bryan The Barbara J. and Wilson S. Bryan Estate provided a gift funding the Barbara J. and Wilson S. Bryan First
